US Aid Cuts Spark Deadly Surge in Afghan Maternal Deaths
A devastating surge in maternal deaths has hit Afghanistan, with over 400 clinics shutting down due to the loss of nearly all US funding, according to reports from multiple sources. The abrupt closure of these facilities has left women and newborns without access to essential medical care, exacerbating an already dire situation in one of the world's poorest countries.
The crisis was brought home by the tragic case of Shahnaz, a mother who died giving birth after her clinic shut down due to US aid cuts. Her husband Abdul described the moment he realized their only medical facility had closed: "She was in a lot pain," he said. "I didn't know it had shut down." The clinic in Shesh Pol village in Afghanistan's north-eastern Badakhshan province, where Shahnaz and her two older children were born, is just one of the many facilities to have been forced to close.
According to the BBC, which has been investigating Afghan maternal deaths after US aid cuts, over 400 clinics have shut down due to the loss of nearly all US funding. This has left families navigating treacherous terrain to reach non-existent healthcare services, with tragic consequences. "When we reached the clinic, we saw that it was closed," Abdul said, his face crumpling with agony.
The situation in Afghanistan is dire, with maternal mortality rates already among the highest in the world. The loss of US funding has exacerbated this problem, leaving women and newborns without access to essential medical care. "US aid cuts have led to a devastating surge in maternal deaths in Afghanistan," said a statement from the BBC. "The abrupt closure of these facilities has left women and newborns without access to essential medical care, exacerbating an already dire situation."
According to experts, the US aid cuts were implemented as part of a broader effort to reduce US involvement in Afghanistan. However, critics argue that this decision has had severe consequences for Afghan civilians, particularly women and children.
The current status is one of crisis, with families struggling to access basic medical care. The next steps are unclear, but experts are calling for increased international aid to support the remaining clinics and ensure that women and newborns have access to essential healthcare services.
In a statement, the US State Department said it was "aware of the situation" and was working to "support Afghan health initiatives." However, the impact of these efforts remains to be seen, as the crisis continues to unfold.
As one expert noted, "The loss of US funding has had a devastating impact on Afghanistan's healthcare system. It is imperative that international aid is increased to support the remaining clinics and ensure that women and newborns have access to essential medical care."
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World and BREAKING: BBC Breaking.
